The NCAA Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program provides excess medical expense coverage for student-athletes who suffer serious injuries while participating in covered intercollegiate athletic activities. This insurance is sponsored by the NCAA for all active member institutions and is designed to supplement, not replace, existing primary insurance coverage.

Coverage under the program begins when a student-athlete’s covered medical expenses exceed the policy deductible. While the program is intended to address catastrophic injuries, an injury does not need to be catastrophic in nature to qualify for benefits if covered expenses exceed the deductible.

How the coverage works

• Applies to student-athletes participating in covered intercollegiate athletic activities
• Provides benefits in excess of any other valid and collectible insurance
• Coverage is triggered once covered medical expenses exceed $90,000
• Administered at the institutional level, with required reporting and documentation

Institutional responsibilities

Member institutions are responsible for reporting injuries promptly, coordinating claims submissions, and maintaining accurate documentation. Following established reporting procedures helps ensure claims are reviewed efficiently, and coverage eligibility is maintained.